We have a tract printed each month for placement on the display tree stand in the foyer at Crockett Church of Christ. They are for anyone’s use. Now, what is the benefit of a tract? There are several benefits. One, it is small in size and affords a quick reading and subsequent re-reading more readily (and more likely) than reading a full-size book on a subject. Verses are limited, and thereby, they are easily read or encourage follow up in the Bible to see the full context. Such is so helpful to discern real righteousness found in believing in Christ instead of resorting to our personal definitions of righteousness (Philippians 3:9). In this way, we can go back to the examples in the Book of Acts of the Apostles and see how they understood the message and obeyed to receive the righteousness of the Lord. Two, a tract sums up the subject. The front of a tract usually reveals the subject matter and may even imply a biblical application of the truth about the topic. Sometimes, a tract may use a chart that shows how a person about whom we read in Scripture understood and obeyed the Gospel that he was taught. Three, a person can underline points to emphasize them. Highlighters and pens work well for providing emphasis of information we don’t want someone to whom we give the tract to overlook. Marking or highlighting makes it possible to immediately revisit the major points. By encouraging a friend in study to give attention

We are saved by hope (Romans 8:24), and we have the way of life described by Jesus that we practice to maintain this hope. Matthew 7:21-27 teaches us to be wise builders rather than foolish builders. What is the difference? The one who hears and makes the application is wise! The same storms came to each builder, but only the wise builder had built upon doing the will of God. What is hope? It is built on faith and practice. When we find hope, we have had a challenge of faith that has resulted in success in Christ. What a blessing to know we did not have victory in and of ourselves, but rather the blessing of God was involved in our struggle. As we ask God’s help in prayer, do we ask believing He hears us and is thoughtful about the best answer possible for us to be served and to grow as well? He listens in a different way than we do; for you see, God knows the ideals and dictates of the heart of the speaker. He knows what we really mean by our request. What if we speak a glowing set of words and fail to have the effort in our hearts? Is this not an act of hypocrisy? We really didn’t mean it; thus, we ask if God is obligated to give us what we ask. [Editor’s Note: Though sincerity alone is not sufficient, sincerity must accompany every  aspect of our obedient response to the Word

Our Bible presents the worldly ways in the words of 1 John 2:15—’All that is in the world; the lust of eye, the lust of the flesh and the pride or vainglory.’ As we see movies and television, and as we hear others as we grow up, we become acquainted with various forms of the flesh. No wonder there is a stark difference between lust and love (1 Corinthians 13). Described in this chapter is the love that God desires us to have and cultivate. This love ‘worketh no evil, is not easily provoked and does not behave itself unseemly’ [evil conduct]. It never fails! Contrast this description with the outcome of lust, which always saddles the person with guilt and regret, surprises of the unplanned and failures of anything worthwhile. To grow in God’s teaching (1 Peter 2:1-2) is to become the servant of God and of others. This verse leads off with commands to put away malice and guile, hypocrisies and envying, as well as all evil speaking. Movies and television promote the very ungodly traits that Christians are to expunge from their lives. Instead, as newborn babes desire milk, so the servant of God craves the sincere milk of God’s Word to grow up with love that God desires us to possess. Remember, 1 Corinthians 13 begins with the admonition to not think if we give our bodies to be burned and bestow all our goods to feed the poor, that we have done well, if charity

Jesus notified His disciples of their need to have “faith as a grain of mustard seed” (Matthew 17:20 ASV) in order to do wonderful deeds for him. We are aware of how small a grain of mustard is, yet, within it dwells the properties of a plant that is bountiful and productive. Faith is important even in small amounts. Still, there is a modifing set of words by the inspired Paul. Paul noted that if he had faith so that he “could remove mountains” (1 Corinthians 13:2) but did not have faith mixed with love, he would not be profited any! This modification did not conflict with Jesus’ expectations about love being so needed by His servants, but the modification dwelt with the mission of the Lord in Paul’s hands. Faith has to be mixed with love as we teach, serve, do benevolence toward others, have compassion in heart for the needy or send missionaries out to the world. Why? Those who traveled across the wilderness did not enter God’s rest (Hebrews 4:1-10) due to not believing as they should have  believed. They would have argued the existence of God with anyone, but serve God’s will from day to day, no. Are we unceasing in our day to day love for God and teaching others about this love and obedient faith? Or, will we fail to enter the rest of God due to the fact that we have a faith in his existence, but do not serve him from day

Psalms 42, 48, 55 and 73 point out King David’s pondering of the question of where God is. He cited many problems created by the wicked for him. Yet, in each of these situations where God was not personally present working a miracle in his life, he cited the Lord’s continued loving kindness, righteousness and trust. What was God doing during this time of sorrow in David’s life? The answer comes in Psalm 73:17. David noted that he suffered pain at the thought of the profits of the wicked and the Lord’s seeming absence until he went into the sanctuary of God. There God’s Word was being read, and David said he understood the wicked are set in slippery places. They would slip up, be cast down and suffer for their sinful ways. King David had not left the Lord to curse him, to leave his righteous ways or to deny his trust during the time of sorrow. Instead, he understood God’s work on the wicked when he went into the sanctuary of God. As we enter worship and have a part of God’s Word taught to us, we may come to understand that God still cares for us despite what may befall us. Do we wish to be on a slippery slope as are the wicked around us, or do you and I prefer to abide inside God’s teaching and enjoy His blessings?

Methods have changed throughout the years, but the same respect for the Message must remain the same. God bless the efforts put forth then and nowadays. How do you carry out the Great Commission? Did not Jesus say, “Go and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15-16)? Since the beginning, disciples continue to hold a sympathetic heart for those lost in sin and others who desire to carry out the Great Commission.  Please think to leave evangelistic tracts in your home as well as in public places. In addition, be sure to have devotional times with your family, which will go a long way in the conversion and edification of family members. Become more spiritual in thought and discussion. The new you will help everyone else, as well as yourself.

There are many challenges to the Bible. These challenges are advanced by some who are well educated in some circles but uninformed in this area. The Bible claims to be the Word of God. In evaluating this claim, we find: (1) unity of the Bible though written over a period of 1,600 years, (2) the facts of the Bible have been verified again and again and (3) the purpose of the Bible to help us live for God is a sacred purpose. The accuracy of the Bible in matters of science, history and culture of the time is held to the highest standard. ‘Life is in the blood’ (Genesis 9:4), ‘all men made of one blood’ (Acts 17:26) and “as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26) are statements that have been examined again and again and are found to be accurate. An unbeliever, to be honest, must deal with these claims. Finding them to be accurate, why would he or she not move into belief and obedience (Mark 16:16; Hebrews 5:8-9)?

When you guard your valuables, but some of them are taken for resale anyway, what can you do to impress upon a person that this should not be done? Methods of discipline are mentioned in the Bible. Discuss with words(Proverbs 1) With some, this is all it takes. A frank, loving discussion of the awful acts of theft and being under the control of substances will be accepted early on by some addicts. Counselors, doctors and special family members can be brought into the discussion to help lead to desirable changes. Offering help(Proverbs 16:9) I realize there can be a negative teaching in this passage by encouraging bribery. However, by giving gifts, we can become friends with a person. Taking away the challenge of stealing from you by an offer, “I know what has happened, and this doesn’t matter with me so long as you will let me help you now.” As a result, an addict may develop humility in the heart by this type of discipline. Mean it when you say it! He may even help you get back an heirloom that hurts your heart because it was taken. By only looking the other way, no change will occur. What If There Is NoChange in the Addict? What have you lost in talking about it or insisting that changes be made? What have you lost by being a better guardian of your valuables, which are not respected and will otherwise be used by the addict for quick money for

Families are sometimes disturbed by those members who have turned to drugs, alcohol or mannerisms to the point of addiction. The Bible contains warnings for us to be cautious around such people, though they may be relatives (Proverbs 22; 1 Corinthians 5). How may we guard ourselves because those concentrating simply on self often become those who cheat, steal and commit fraud against even their best friends as well as family members? 1. Always take an inventory of what you have and where you place things, including money, jewelry, assets of any kind, such as lawnmowers, weed eaters, gas cans, etc. 2. Don’t be a helper for the addicted person to get away with taking advantage of your valuables. The addicted simply turn to those who buy stolen goods and sell for the money to get more drugs, alcohol or films and fashions to satisfy briefly the addiction. 3. Spiritually pray for all involved. Encourage the addicted to ask, seek and find a tie with Jesus more than yield to the addiction.

“Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker [“helper” KJV] in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved” (Romans 16:9 NKJV). The word for “helper” is “sunergos,” a co-laborer. The compound word begins with “sun,” a primary preposition denoting union with or together, added to “ergon,” meaning to work, to toil or to act. Therefore, the word “helper” means to toil closely with someone in a common cause. Hence, it is worthy to note that Urbanus was more than a wallflower, and he was closely toiling or working with other brethren. Therefore, Urbanus provided encouragement through his participation with fellow Christians. Likewise, we should toil or work together, too. [Editor’s Note: My residence is shrouded with about 20 tall pine trees. That means before every time I mow grass, I must collect one to four wheelbarrows full of tree debris from the yard. On the occasions when I must do this chore alone and by myself, I go about the task reluctantly, and it takes about a third as long to clean up the yard as it does to mow. How depressing! However, on those occasions when just one person helps me retrieve the tree debris, not only more speedily but also with less grumbling on my part we proceed to accomplish that burden. I am encouraged! More importantly, encouragement is one of the benefits when brethren labor together in Christian service. ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]

The selection process of an earthly head of a church has been highlighted by the media around the world lately. Many are getting the idea that this is the picture of Christianity. What does the Bible teach about the headship of the church? Christ Jesus came to build his church (Matthew 16:18). In fact, the church came into existence as He promised and saved people; first Jews were added (Acts 2:47). However, with the conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10), the Gentile world was added under the same conditions of salvation (Acts 4:12; Romans 10:12). Paul noted that ‘there is no difference in the Jew and the Greek, the same Lord is Lord over all and is rich unto all who call upon Him.’ Is not the ‘Him’ part of this passage very important? Does not this passage settle who is Lord over the saved, the church? Romans 10:12 is but one passage declaring Jesus as the Head of the church (Ephesians 1:22-23) and King over his kingdom (Colossians 1:13-14). Besides this, Jesus is the only Mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5-6). Contemporary mankind often has an earthly view of Christianity and tries to redefine this teaching. Do you accept the biblical teaching about the church or what you see on TV?

It is a terrible habit to strike and hit others. Sometimes we adopt the practice of imitating characters in the movies. Allowing words and habits of others to disturb us so much that we hurt others will come to an end; shouting and kicking others will cease. Striking and challenging others will not be chosen when we ‘do as we would have them do.’ The Scriptures teach us to report violence to authorities like principals and coaches, police, sheriff and parents so they can act within the law to protect you from the violence of others (Romans 13:1-7). Romans 12:17 plainly teaches us to let God avenge for us! When it comes to the law of the land, government can punish lawbreakers. That is the proper place for us to place our anger; God and the law will execute justice. If we get into the habit of striking others because we disagree with them, we run the risk of being under arrest and going to jail. This is proper because society needs to be protected. One of our founding fathers of great USA noted, “I disagree with you, but I will defend to the death your right to say those things.” The right to disagree with others and not be struck by them is a freedom in America which should be cherished by all (Proverbs 22:24-25). [Editor’s Note: First Timothy 3:3 says of a candidate for appointment as a “bishop” or elder, “Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy

Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). The promise of salvation is to those who ‘obey Him’ (Hebrews 5:8-9). Let us immediately allow Jesus into our hearts. He stands at the door and ‘knocks’ (Revelation 2:10). What prohibits His salvation and His being allowed to come into our lives? Love of sin (1 John 2:15-17) is one thing that prohibits Jesus. On our part, the ‘lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life’ varies as to the object of our lusts. Sometimes it is a person; sometimes it is our love for personal power; sometimes it is the lazy spirit we adopt. Regardless, these things take us away from Jesus rather than allow Him to come in. Failure to love God is another thing that prohibits Jesus. He said that it’s when we love Him we obey Him (John 14:15) and become His friend (John 15:14). Failure to love God will result in very sinful conduct (1 John 4:10ff) and heaven will be denied to those (Revelation 20:12ff). Let us love Him, and let us shun sin so that neither His knocking nor His love for us is in vain.

For some, the obsession with certain forms of temptation occurs over and over again. Jesus taught us to “Watch and pray that we enter not into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). It is so good to be a constant person of prayer. This is the very first thing to do when faced with temptations that persistently influence us. Remember the daily reminders of the Israelites (Deuteronomy 4:9). They were to be reminded by notes that were placed in strategic places so that as they awoke in the morning or as they walked in the path to work in the fields the reminders would be read. Having reminders will help us to overcome daily. This moves us to the third point. Let us overcome temptations one day at a time – even sometimes, one hour at a time. By pointing our lives to the more spiritual thoughts, entering into prayer times and having steady reminders of the Lord around us, we can limit the effect of temptation. [Editor’s Note: This short article is superb – biblical, practical, timely and brief. Brother Rawson has proven that teaching and preaching doesn’t have to be eternal in length to have eternal benefits. Thank you, brother. ~ Louis Rushmore]

Psalms 42, 48, 55 and 73 point out King David’s pondering of this question. He cited many problems created by the wicked for him. Yet, in each of these situations where God was not personally present working a miracle in his life, he cited the Lord’s continued loving kindness, righteousness and trust. Yet, what was God doing during this time of sorrow in David’s life? The answer comes in Psalm 73:17. He noted that he suffered pain at the thought of the profits of the wicked and the Lord’s seeming absence “until I went into the sanctuary of God.” There God’s Word was being read and David said he “understood the wicked are set in slippery places.” They will slip up, be cast down and suffer for their sinful ways. King David had not left the Lord to curse him, leave his righteous ways or deny his trust during the time of sorrow. He understood God’s work on the wicked “when he went into the sanctuary of God.” Do we wish to be on a slippery slope or inside God’s teaching?

Does not God’s Word teach us twice? “There is a way that seemeth right, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25)? Why has it taken us so long to realize that the use of the simple imagination of a person can lead into sinful conduct? Does not God’s Word teach us to ‘renew our minds’ (Romans 12:1-3)? Paul wrote of the “good, acceptable and perfect will of God.” The effort to do this renewal can be a major one. To read just a little of the counseling material regarding helping someone to overcome any addiction or obsession quickly causes one to see the effort required. However, with the Lord’s help, anyone can be blessed in the aftermath of wrong imaginations and conduct (Matthew 11:28-30). By being ‘yoked up’ with the Lord, we have renewed strength to overcome and will to endure. To conquer imagination requires us to have extra help. Leaving the Lord out did not help King Saul in his obsession against young David (1 Samuel). Betraying the Lord did not help Judas Iscariot in his addiction to money. Simon quickly realized what ‘gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity’ meant and asked for prayer as he was told to ‘repent and pray for forgiveness’ (Acts 8:22). Perhaps a reader of this article is in Simon’s state; let the Lord into your mind to do His will, please. Today, the Lord speaks to us through the Word of God, specifically, the New Testament.

There are so many acts of violence. Why? There is an answer in the pages of Proverbs at chapter 13, verse 10: “Only by pride cometh contention.” This truism claims pride as a chief element in fighting, contention and violence. Whenever individuals have pride wrapped up in the heart, there is going to be resistance to anyone who interferes. What replaces unhealthy pride? Some pride – self-appreciation – gets us to take baths and brush our teeth. The unhealthy excess of pride causes one to be so possessive and controlling of others that violence may erupt. Jesus’s Golden Rule should replace excessive pride. Do only to others what you wish them to do to you (Matthew 7:12). Hurting others will come to an end; shouting and kicking others will cease; striking and challenging others will not be chosen when we ‘do as we would have them do’ to us. Report violence to authorities, police, sheriff and parents so they can act within the law to protect you from the violence of others.

“The Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God” (Romans 8:16ff). How does He assure us as we go through this life? Remember, Who wrote the Bible? The Spirit of God according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 2. He ‘revealed these words.’ By reading the Word of God, we can be reassured we are living life as God directs. Don’t we feel assured when we are traveling into a new city, perhaps looking for the house of a friend who lives in that city, and our partner in the car is reading a map? By noting the various street names, we check off our route to the friend’s house. Spiritually speaking, our partner traveling life’s journey is the Holy Spirit. As we face struggles in life, we check with His Word, which is the roadmap to heaven. Familiar signposts include: “Putting first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33), “worshipping in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24), “stealing no more, but working with our hands what is good that we may have to give to others in their time of need” (Ephesians 4:28), “being called, chosen and faithful” (Revelation 17:14), having each service in life mixed with love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3), “marking those who cause division” (Romans 16:17) and being “willing to forgive others from the heart” (Matthew 18:35). By checking off the signposts, just as surely as we check off the street names, we are steadily moving toward the goal of heaven itself, directed

Listed in 1 Timothy 2:4 is God’s desire for all mankind: “Who would have all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” The use of the word “truth” as Paul is instructed to write occurs in various forms throughout the epistles of the New Testament. In 1 Timothy alone note 2:7, 3:15, 4:3 and 6:5. In 2 Timothy notice 2:15 and 3:8 as key verses. In other letters, he wrote of the ‘truth of the gospel’ (Galatians 5:7), ‘obeying the truth’ (2 Corinthians 4:2), ‘refusing to love the truth’ (2 Thessalonians 2:10) and ‘wicked men who suppress the truth’ (Romans 1:18). Why the importance of the truth as it deals with application to any subject? Is the importance written due to Jesus’s prayer for ‘our sanctification to be by the Father’s truth’; “thy word is truth” (John 17:17)? Can you think of any better reason for the truth to be emphasized? When seekers desire for dreams, happenstance and feelings to guide their decision for the Lord, are they not avoiding the prayer of Jesus and His teaching? Do we not see the examples of Acts 2, 10 and 22 emphasize the acceptance of the truth as they obeyed the Gospel and received the remission of sins? [God wants all mankind to be saved, but He forces no one. Only those who voluntarily obey the truth of the Gospel will ultimately be saved. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but

Jesus desired mankind to live not just any way of life, but rather live the ‘abundant life’ (John 10:10). He came for that expressed purpose. He noted that if we love Him (14:15), we will keep His commandments. If we keep His commandments, we are hearing Him (10:27-30), and while following Him nothing can ‘pluck us out of his hand.’ However, what if we are not listening to the Shepard? Simon Peter allowed Jesus to change his life; Paul allowed the same; Lydia allowed Jesus to change her life. What is the key? Allowance. If any of our number is living two styles of life – one for Sundays and another for workdays, why not try the ‘abundant life’? Not just because of the Judgment someday (12:48), but because so much more good in this world can be done by those who are living the ‘abundant life.’ Where truth, love, mercy, joy and peace thrive, there are better families, communities and churches. Where deception, hatred, unkindness, sorrow and war thrive, there is none made better. These will really make a maze in life, which is confusing as well as far from the betterment of life.

Our Lord taught, “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest; take my yoke upon you and learn of me…” (Matthew 11:28-30). Are we making the time to learn of him? By learning of his way, we put the kingdom of God in first place (Matthew 6:33). We forgive our fellow man till seventy times seven (Matthew 18:22-35) and find God’s willingness to forgive us our trespasses against Him. Do we allow the double yoking? Everyone knows the seemingly added strength of having another person pick up the other side of a load. It’s a blessing that gives rest even while having more than doubled the work output. Jesus advised us of the utter impossibility of bearing any fruit unless we abide in the vine. In serving the Lord this way, we find “much fruit” (John 15:1-8). Many times, we are seeking to be loners. Much harm has come to society due to the deeds of many described as loners. However, the Lord desires for us to do all the good we can do while here below and offers a way to provide strength and rest in the process. Will you try to live life the Lord’s way?

Church growth must be measured in a couple of ways: (1) Physical Growth is the number of people, upward or downward trends. The physical is just what we see with our eyes. (2) Spiritual Growth is just as important and is the ability to see with the eye of faith. When God told Abraham, “You will have children as the sands of the sea,” could Abraham with the physical eye see such a sight (Genesis 22:17)? However, with the eye of faith, we see God is still blessing him. Paul wrote, “We [baptized believers] are Abraham’s [seed] children and heirs of the Promise” (Galatians 3:24-28). Shouldn’t we see with both sets of eyes?

There is an element of rule involved in the eldership’s work of the Lord, and there is to be respect given by the brethren (Hebrews 13:17). Such rulership is to be understood much as the wife is to be submissive to her husband (Ephesians 5:25-28). There is to be such love that working together for the common good is desired over and above any personal decision or will. Warning is given by Peter of the ‘lording over God’s Heritage’ (1 Peter 5:1-4). The use of grievous words can be used to lord over others (Proverbs 15:1). We are not to use grievous words that stir up anger. Thoughts can result in a special look of the eyes and face, which is evil (Deuteronomy 15:9). Mannerism of walk and folding of the arms can result in evil (Deuteronomy 31:29). Divine instruction warns to avoid being around angry people (Proverbs 22:24-25). There are those who are quick to get angry (Proverbs 14:17), yet sometimes such men are found in the eldership of the church. I know these verses are in the Old Testament. Believe me, there are corresponding verses in the New Testament, and such words as “as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her” (Ephesians 5:25) show us the true manners of the loving Savior and loving Shepherds, too. Discouragement is a plague of many homes and congregations. Who is spreading such a plague? Does this come from the membership and rise up to the leadership of the church,

If we had back in attendance at worship services, Bible classes and Christian activities the young people who grew up in the local church, each congregation would have to build larger rooms, auditoriums and activity areas to accommodate the numbers. It is a shame to lose anyone, but especially those who sat at the feet of teachers and parents who sought to guide them into faithfulness to the Lord. In spite of the efforts, too many children fell away, and the challenge of bringing them back is a great one. Some have developed unwholesome attitudes since departing. Really, there is only one thing which will bring the lost to the Lord. Abraham said to the rich man (Luke 16:19-31) when he asked for help from the dead for his five brothers lost back on earth: “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.” Then he added, “If they were not persuaded by Moses and the Prophets [the Word of God] neither would they be persuaded though one went unto them from the dead.” We substitute some things hoping good will come. It is good to be around those erring souls, to encourage them with parties and showers when they marry, and when they are about to bear children themselves, but rarely do these good events bring anyone to return to the Lord. It is good to plead for the cause of truth, the Lord’s sacrifice at the cross and all the other spiritual ideals that Jesus taught, but

The words used in Acts 20:28-32 regarding the eldership of the church leads us to believe that rulership is involved. “Feed the flock among you” and ‘appointed you to be overseers’ and ‘draw away many after themselves’ are such expressions that involve rulers. The warning of Paul in the passage certainly alerted the elders at Ephesus that ‘from your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things.’ By drawing others to themselves, they were drawing men away from Christ who shed His blood to purchase the church. It is a shame for such to happen. This would be the first wave of division from Christ, and it would come from within the eldership. Could it have been avoided and how? In 1 Peter 5:1-4, we read a sobering thought from an elder who was as well an apostle, Simon Peter. He warned to shun ‘lording over God’s heritage’ and reminded elders that each one has to account for himself to the Chief Shepard! Yes, the way to avoid ‘lording’ in the rulership of the church rests within each of the elders recognizing his accountability to the Lord. It is not ‘his church,’ rather the church is the Lord’s heritage. It’s not ‘his rule,’ rather the Lord’s rule ought to be honored by all. It is good to be reminded of this. It is an effort for brethren to have to remind an eldership not to go too far. There are many ways to ‘lord it’ over the brethren besides rude

Some mistakenly think that love is the act of ‘looking the other way’ or ‘no discipline.” However, in the Bible (Proverbs 13:24), it is written of the one who fails to correct his child actually ‘hates him’ (doesn’t love him like he should). God doesn’t make this mistake and everyone He loves He chastens (Hebrews 12:1-13) and purges (John 15:1-8) that more fruit occurs. The love of God is grand (John 3:16) and the word “so” is used to indicate it. At the same time, the expectation of faith in his only begotten Son is easily seen. However, where is repentance and confession of Christ expressly stated in this passage? Without this verse being in synecdoche form (the part which stands for the whole), neither of these words is in John 3:16. Yet, since it is only emphasizing the place of faith in Christ, we understand repentance (Luke 13:3), confession of Christ (Matthew 10:32), baptism (Matthew 28:18-20) as well as being faithful (Matthew 26:41) are expectations found in other verses relating to the subject of salvation (John 3:17). Jesus in His sovereign status said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). He expects us to change how we live. As He began the Sermon on the Mount, He noted: ‘strive to enter the strait gate’ (Matthew 7:13-14). Jesus said there is a narrow path that leads to life. All should choose the narrow way. It is entered by a ‘difficult gate,’ such as leaving old friendships and practices.

When I began trying to preach the Gospel, there was no one stronger with words of encouragement than my mother. Encouragement gives motivation to try again and again to achieve. It provides motivation even now fifty years removed. God planned this role. To Adam and Eve, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it” (Genesis 1:28). Eve is so named because she is the mother of all living human beings (Genesis 3:20). Later, Abraham would seek a wife for Isaac (Genesis 28:53) during the patriarchal age by sending a servant to first see honor shown to Rebekah’s mother. Even later in the Mosaic age, the wise man Solomon included the deep respect and love that King Lemuel held for his mother (Proverbs 31:10ff). The Law listed the mother first and the father next (Leviticus 19:3) in the son showing great respect for them and ‘whosoever strikes his mother or father’ (an act of resentment and anger Exodus 21:15) would be stoned to death. Later in this text (verse 19), the cursing of mother is prohibited. Whether words or deeds are used, the sincere respect and due appreciation for mom is held high in Scripture. The son is taught to heed the ‘law of one’s mother’ (Proverbs 1:8; 6:20). The value of motherhood is shown by obeying her. Jesus taught the Pharisees of His day that by a process called “Corban” (Mark 7:10-12), they had neglected their responsibilities to aging parents due to a legality that had been

The return of the Lord was announced as He ascended (Acts 1:9-11). It was not a strange timing, for the disciples standing there would have neglected to take the message the Lord left them. Thus, the angel shocked them into reality, “He will come again.” Mary had acknowledged to Jesus (John 11:24) there is coming a resurrection at the last day. Of course, Jesus was there to call Lazarus back to life on that day. He said, “I am the resurrection.” Notice the use of the words “when” and “then” (Matthew 25:31-41, 46) setting out the time of His return and judgment for setting some on the left hand and others on the right hand for eternal punishment or eternal life. Jesus taught that till that day, we are to follow his Word (John 12:48) because His Word will be the standard of judgment at that day. Are there any signs for the return of Jesus? His disciples asked about such signs (Matthew 24:3). Jesus gave them no distinct sign and said the Father only knows (verse 35-36). Look at the expression of the Lord about who does not know: “no man and neither do the angels in Heaven.” In Mark 13:30-37, Jesus said, “neither the Son,” but the Father only knows. When the disciples asked about signs (Matthew 24:3), Jesus named a number of unsettling things – wars, rumors of wars, natural distresses – which are not the signs of his return. Rather these were signs of the destruction

Hope is among the three finest themes of the Christian life (1 Corinthians 13:13) as it is included in the midst of faith and charity (God-like love). Is it proper to use the word, “hope,” within the setting of laziness, waste or wishes? During such times, people are heard to say, “But, I hope the results are good anyway.” Is this the New Testament way of using the word? Hope is the opposite of seeing and possessing something (Romans 8:24). Yet, hope is essential in God’s plan. It is part of God’s design that we live by hope, which is the anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:19) that is sure and steadfast. This anchor of the soul is urged to be a ‘lively hope’ (1 Peter 1:3). The resurrection and ascension at the Lord’s coming should be filled with this hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-16). Those who reject the Lord and the Lord’s way are without this hope (Ephesians 2:12). In the expression, “I hope the Lord will be favorable to me,” does this take into consideration the continuing way of neglecting God’s will, laziness, wasting one’s life and just wishing things to turn out well? The New Testament use of hope centers itself in the Christian’s life. There is one hope (Ephesians 4:4). We are taught to live hope (Ephesians 1:18) and to enjoy the hope of the glory to be fulfilled in us (Colossians 1:27). Hope is not taken by a tablet or a pill. It is not an

Jesus promised to “build my church” (Matthew 16:18). The church is owned by Jesus Christ (Romans 16:16) and is spoken of as “churches of Christ.” However, let’s take a look in this article from the other side of the coin. What was the relationship of the church back to Jesus? The church in the New Testament upheld the Lord in a mighty way and a frail way. The members were human beings seeking to be more spiritual in their outlook on life while they lived in various cities of their time like Jerusalem, Corinth, Ephesus, Thessalonica and Rome. The directives of 1 Corinthians 15 are to be steadfast and unmovable and always abounding in the work of the Lord. The imperatives continue in the next chapter: watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit (act) ye like men and be strong (1 Corinthians 16:13). This is the teaching to those of the first century church. Did they follow the orders given? We must note that some did and some did not. Now, down the stream of time to our day, are we following these admonitions? Some are and some are not. So, what should we all do? Certainly, teachers and preachers of God’s Word must continue the faithful presentation of the message (2 Timothy 4:1-4). Fellow brethren should listen and heed the message because Jesus would have it to be this way. Without love the early church was taught that their labors amounted to no value (1 Corinthians 13). They

God’s instruction regarding faith can hardly be overly emphasized (Hebrews 11:1ff). Faith is not a step into the darkness. Rather, faith is built upon substance of hope and evidence of the unseen. Wonderful is the design of God in creation (Hebrews 3:4). Whereas every house is built by mankind, God is the builder of the man as well as the materials used in the building of a house. Does not design call upon us to be more trusting in God? The guidance of God by his Word (John 17:17) is into a set apart (sanctified) life. The lifestyle is different than the world. Old friends will think ‘strange’ of us when they see us living the sanctified way (1 Peter 4:4). It’s the ‘strait gate and narrow way’ (Matthew 7:13-14) that Jesus taught which will help us into life eternal. The way of the Lord is different in outcome than the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). Does not telling the truth, being merciful, helping others in need and extending the Gospel which saves (Romans 1:16) seem to bring the outcomes that cause us to be even more trusting in God and His way of life? Why not trust in God for our pardon from sin? The initial pardon of an obedient faith (John 8:24, 31-32) is brought about by continuing in His Word. As we see more and more responsibilities, we repent, confess Christ and are baptized into Him (Acts 2:38; Romans 10:10; Galatians 3:26-27). While living within this

“Today is the first day for the rest of your life,” an adage named to and spoken of everyone. God’s teaching is of even greater blessing than the adage. For with God we (Isaiah 49:8) can use the hour of decision for the Lord. Paul, by inspiration, reaches back to this Old Testament statement and applies it to the church at Corinth (2 Corinthians 6:2). When Jesus prayed for His disciples to be sanctified by the truth (John 17:17) and noted “Thy word is truth,” He wanted His disciples to receive and immediately begin the practice of a ‘set apart’ life. When we believe (John 8:24), we need to move onto a sorrow for sin that leads us to turn away from sin (repent, Luke 13:3, 5). Confessing Jesus as Lord (Matthew 10:32) brings a person to baptism into Christ (Galatians 3:24-27) and, thus, putting on Christ. Further, when a person comes into Christ, he is Abraham’s seed and an heir according to the promise. Such a decision should not be delayed till the morrow. It’s not good to await another day. Obeying the Lord is the need of this minute, moment and hour. The examples in the Book of Acts of the Apostles show us the practice of these commands as each conversion occurred. Some (Acts 2, 8, 9, 10, 16, 19 and 22) were told to believe, others were told to believe and repent, others were told to repent and be baptized. Everyone being converted was told to